Elderly Substance Abuse

Substance abuse, particularly of alcohol and prescription drugs, among adults 60 and older is one of the fastest growing health problems facing the US and nations with aging populations. Alcohol and prescription drug misuse affects up to 17 percent of older US adults.

Because of insufficient knowledge and hurried office visits, health care providers often overlook the symptoms of substance abuse and misuse among older adults because they can mimic symptoms of other common disorders such as diabetes, dementia, and depression. Students will learn facts and myths related to aging and substance abuse plus practical tools for bringing help and wholeness to older individuals in many settings.